Builder

I'm the programmer of Estlcam - if you have any questions I'd happy to answer them here.
Or just give it a try - the free version offers full functionality www.estlcam.com
(It will just start to display a nag screen after a while before saving files - otherwise there are no limitations)

Smoothieboard unfortunately uses a very different processor so Estlcam is not able control it directly - but you can still use Estlcam to create the CNC programs for it.

I'm not sure about touch plate support on GRBL / smoothieboard though - as far as I know there is at least some basic probe support but automated edge finding and alignment should be quite unique to Estlcam at the moment and will only work if you use compatible hardware so Estlcam can control the machine itself:

Builder

The machine I wanted to use ESTLCAM on is a purpose built CNC router (most of the hardware for it donated by Openbuilds under the fairshare program) used for testing the LaseWeb/CNCWeb open source software (GitHub - openhardwarecoza/LaserWeb3: Open Source Laser Cutter / Engraver software. Supports gcode, svg, dxf, stl, png, jpg, bmp) which supports either GRBL or Smoothieboard. I have a CO2 laser set up with smoothieboard for testing the laser portion of the software, and set up the CNC machine with GRBL to test the CNC CAM portions of the software. But until the software matures, I wanted something to use daily, and your software fit the bill. I guess since yours is GRBL pin compatible, I could just have 2 UNOS, one with GRBL and one with your firmaware, and just swap them as needed. I really like the way you approach the CAM functionality, and I have to say, your automated edge finding and alignment is a feature I instantly fell in love with.

Can Estlcam control a VFD spindle via PWM? Also, are there any pendant options available to do things like jog using joysticks or home axis', pause/resume jobs etc?

Builder

A bit late to the party, but I use and like Estlcam. So far, I am only running my C-Beam with it, and so far, the errors and issues have all been my own fault.

As far as CAM, it seems easy to use and creates code that makes for an accurate part from my machine, about all I can ask for there. I've done a V-carve or two, but most of the work has been 2.5D cutting of aluminum plates. I've had no problems interfacing with my Arduino-based GRBL controller in the Protoneer Pi CNC Hat, I have not tried the Estlcam control software yet because of how I have my router set up. I use BCNC running on a Pi3 as a Gcode sender, the Pi also runs a keyboard, mouse and monitor for the machine console.

Builder

That will reverse the direction of the axis which was good. It's the homing I need reversed. For my X axis my limit switch is mounted on the right side and with the existing program it moves to the left when homing.

Builder

I'm the programmer of Estlcam - if you have any questions I'd happy to answer them here.
Or just give it a try - the free version offers full functionality www.estlcam.com
(It will just start to display a nag screen after a while before saving files - otherwise there are no limitations)

I have a big new CNC machine, sitting idle at present, fitted with Mach 3, lots of fortepiano building experience, none digital, and my feeling is that estlcam will provide full manufacturing and surface modelling capability. Is this correct? Any roadmap would be much appreciated.

Builder

I'm not familiar with Estlcam but mostly the limit switches, when triggered, short circuits to the ground which tells the program that a limit switch was triggered. You will have to move the axis that triggered it away from the switch and reset the program (that's how it works on Mach3, anyway). What I did is I have installed two momentary switches on my machine (only one of them has to be pressed since they are connected in series) that disconnect the ground from the limit switches and therefore enable me to reset the program and move the axis away from the triggered limit switch. I have to do all this while constantly pressing that momentary switch. It's a pain to have to press it all the time while doing it but I prefer this way since using a toggle switch may cause me to forget to reset it and/or have it switched by mistake and remains unnoticed by me.

Builder

I've been using EstlCAM for a few months now, and it's amazing - this makes the other controller software I've used look terrible.

The most important feature, for me, is the ability to pause a program, move the machine around - say, if you broke a bit or lost some steps somewhere and need to re-home it - and have the program pick up where you left off. EstlCAM will move the tool to the correct location for the next instruction before starting to cut again.

There are some eccentricities that take a bit of getting used to, but they're minor, especially relative to the functionality offered by the application.

I'm surprised Christian doesn't charge more for this. It's a great program. (I'm using this with a CNC xPro v3 on a 1250x1000 diy machine.)

My only real complaint, if you can call it that, is that it can be challenging to get a model out of Sketchup and into EstlCAM. But, that seems to be the case with Sketchup and most other CAM solutions. (You can export from Sketchup to STL and load the STL into EstlCAM, though.) I've been using DraftSight - basically, free AutoCAD by SolidWorks - and it works great for most tasks.